Unique Places To Visit In Kolkata

Kolkata, often referred to as the cultural capital of India, is a city rich in history, art, and scenic beauty. Places to visit in Kolkata with family It boasts numerous iconic landmarks, cultural institutions, and must-visit attractions that cater to a variety of interests. Places to visit in Kolkata for couples Some of the nation’s most prestigious cultural institutions are located here, including the Academy of Fine Arts, the Victoria Memorial, the Asiatic Society, the Indian Museum, and the National Library of India. Here’s a curated list of top tourist attractions in Kolkata for you to explore based on your preferences.

Things to Do In Kolkata (Calcutta) with Kids

Top Tourist Attraction Places To Visit In calcutta – Unique places to visit in Kolkata

Calcutta / Kolkata, often hailed as the cultural capital of India, is a treasure trove of historical landmarks, cultural institutions, and scenic attractions. The city is home to several nationally significant cultural hubs, including the Academy of Fine Arts, Victoria Memorial, Asiatic Society, Indian Museum, and the National Library of India. Here’s a list of top tourist attractions in Kolkata, offering diverse experiences to explore based on your interests. check the list!

Netaji Bhawan – 

This historic residence, the former home of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, is now a museum and research center. Known for being the site of Bose’s daring escape in 1941, the house preserves artifacts, including his footprints, and chronicles his journey as a freedom fighter.It was built way back in 1909 on the hip streets of Elgin Road by his father Janakinath Bose.

Birla Planetarium – 

Located near Victoria Memorial, the Birla Planetarium is Asia’s largest and one of the world’s most iconic. Its design is inspired by the Sanchi Stupa, and it offers fascinating astronomy shows, making it a favorite for science enthusiasts and families.The M. P. Birla Planetarium in Kolkata was established by Syt. M. P. Birla, the founder of the MP Birla Group. It was formally inaugurated on July 2, 1963, by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India. 

St. Paul’s Cathedral – 

Completed in 8 October 1847, this Gothic-style cathedral is a significant landmark and the largest Anglican cathedral in Asia. Known for its Indo-Gothic architecture, it features a library, memorabilia, and serene surroundings.Major William Nairn Forbes military engineer designed the cathedral with the assistance of architect C. K. Robinson.

Kumortuli –

Kumortuli, the famous potters’ colony in North Kolkata is renowned for sculpting clay idols of Indian Gods and Goddesses for festivals in West Bengal and beyond. The artisans also export their creations worldwide. The famous Banamali Sarkar Street houses many idol makers, and the Dhakeshwari Mata Temple is a notable landmark nearby.

Victoria Memorial Hall – 

A grand white marble structure built between 1906 and 1921, this museum is dedicated to Queen Victoria’s memory. Its beautiful gardens, art galleries, and striking architecture, reminiscent of the Taj Mahal, make it Kolkata’s most popular attraction. Lord Curzon, first proposed the idea of building a majestic memorial to offer tribute to Queen Victoria and since Kolkata was the capital of British India, Sir William Emerson wonderfully conceptualized and designed the outlay of the memorial on 64 acres of land.  The foundation stone of the Memorial was laid by the Prince of Wales on 4th January, 1906 at Calcutta.

Marble Palace –

The house was built in 1835 by Raja Rajendra Mullick, a wealthy Bengali merchant with a passion for collecting works of art.  this stunning mansion is known for its opulent interiors with marble walls, Victorian furniture, and a collection of Western art, sculptures, and Indian artifacts. It’s a treasure trove for art lovers.

Belur Math – 

Belur Math was established in January 1897, by Swami Vivekananda, Headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math is a symbol of interfaith harmony with architecture blending Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, and Christian motifs. Its serene riverside campus houses temples, a museum, and the main monastery of the Ramakrishna Order.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple –

 Situated on the Hooghly River’s eastern bank, this iconic temple was built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni. Famous for its association with mystic Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the complex includes 12 Shiva shrines, a Radha-Krishna temple, and a bathing ghat.The Garbha Griha houses the deity of goddess Kali, famously known as Bhavataraini. 

Howrah Bridge – 

A cantilever bridge connecting Kolkata and Howrah, It was inaugurated on February 3rd, 1943, it is an engineering marvel and one of the busiest bridges in the world. Renamed Rabindra Setu, the bridge is an iconic symbol of the city and a cinematic favorite. was designed by Rendel, Palmer and Tritton, and built by Braithwaite, Burn & Jessop Construction Company Limited (BBJ). 

General Post Office – 

A historic landmark in the B.B.D. Bagh area, this iconic structure is Kolkata’s central post office and handles most of the city’s mail.The construction of the majestic structure started in 1864 and was completed in 1868.The General Post Office was designed in 1864 by Walter B. Grenville , who acted as consulting architect to the government of India from 1863 to 1868.

Eden Gardens – 

The name “Eden Gardens” comes from the Eden sisters, Emily and Fanny, who were the sisters of Lord Auckland, the then Governor-General of India.  Known as the “Mecca of Indian cricket,” Eden Gardens is one of the world’s oldest and most iconic cricket stadiums, hosting many historic matches. was established in the year 1864

Howrah Station – 

The oldest and busiest railway station in India, Howrah Station is a bustling hub with a rich history and architectural grandeur.It was founded in 1854 by contract with East India Company, designed in a Romanesque style, was built by the British architect Halsey Ricardo.

Writers’ Building – 

Originally the office of British East India Company clerks, this imposing structure is now undergoing restoration and remains a key administrative and historical landmark. The Writers’ Building in Kolkata was designed and constructed by Thomas Lyon  in 1777.

Town Hall – 

Kolkata Town Hall in Roman Doric style, was built in 1813 by the architect and engineer Major General John Henry Garstin. It stood as a trophy of British grandeur and authority in the region.

Fort William – 

This historic fort on the Hooghly River features unique star-shaped architecture with gates and a surrounding moat. It remains a key military establishment. Fort William was built in 1696.The original Fort William in Kolkata was built in 1696 by the British East India Company, while the current fort was reconstructed by Robert Clive after the Battle of Plassey.

Indian Museum – 

The largest and oldest museum in India, featuring a vast collection of artifacts, including fossils, mummies, and ancient sculptures.built year 2 February 1814. It was founded by the Asiatic Society of Bengal in Kolkata (Calcutta), India, The founder curator was Nathaniel Wallich, a Danish botanist.

Greek Orthodox Church –

Resembling a Greek temple rather than a church, the Greek Orthodox Church in Kalighat features a striking whitewashed façade, with four Doric columns supporting a grand triangular pediment. Despite its antique appearance, it is one of Kolkata’s newer churches, built in 1925.  built with contributions from the local Greek community, primarily funded by the estate of Panaghiotis Alexios Argyree, a Greek merchant, and permission was sanctioned by Warren Hastings.

Science City –

 A large science center with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and various attractions for visitors of all ages, making it an educational and entertaining experience.inaugurated on 1st July,1997, Science City in Kolkata was developed by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India

Kalighat Kali Temple – 

One of the oldest and most revered temples in Kolkata, dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is an important pilgrimage 51 shaktipeeth site for Hindus.The temple’s origins are shrouded in some mystery, with references dating back to the 15th century. The present temple was built by the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family of Barisha in 1809, bank of the Adi Ganga river. 

Mother House – 

The headquarter was established by the Blessed Mother Teresa in 1950,  the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa. It includes a museum and her tomb, attracting visitors from around the world.

Jain Temple – 

The Jain Temple in Kolkata, built in 1867, is a beautifully ornate structure with intricate marble work, stained glass, and peaceful gardens, dedicated to Jain deities.The temple was built by a Jain named Rai Badridas Bahadoor Mookim.

Magen David Synagogue –

As Muslim students from Elias Meyer School sang the Hebrew peace song Oseh Shalom at Kolkata’s Magen David Synagogue, Ezra Moses, now a Miami resident, was overcome with emotion. “This is where my parents married in 1943—my birthplace,” he murmured. He was among over 50 Jews from India and beyond who returned to witness the restoration and re-dedication of Kolkata’s historic synagogues, Magen David and Beth El.

Jewish Cemetery –

Established in 1812, the Jewish Cemetery in Kolkata is located at 45 Narkeldanga Main Road, near the Phoolbagan crossing. According to legend, Shalom Cohen acquired the land from a Bengali friend in exchange for his gold ring. Still active today, the cemetery holds hundreds of graves, but its most intriguing feature is the Geniza—a storage space for abandoned Jewish religious documents. Shalom Obadiah Cohen, the founder of the Jewish community of Calcutta.

Alipore Jail Museum – 

The Alipore Jail Museum in Kolkata, once a prison for freedom fighters during India’s independence movement, was opened to the public in 2022. It showcases colonial-era history through artifacts, documents, and exhibits, maintained by the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO).

St John Church –

This stone-spired 1787 church is ringed by columns and contains a small, portrait-draped room once used as an office by Warren Hastings, India’s first British governor-general. St. John’s Church in Kolkata was designed and built by Lieutenant James Agg of Bengal Engineers  The tree-shaded grounds have several interesting monuments, including the mausoleum of Job Charnock and the relocated Black Hole Memorial. The church is home to an exquisite painting depicting the Last Supper, by 18th-century German artist Johann Zoffany.

Bhukailash Temple, Khidirpur, Kolkata –

Unknown to many, Khidirpur is home to one of Kolkata’s oldest temples, featuring a massive Shiva Linga. The expansive Bhukailash Temple Complex, which also includes a grand Rajbari, remains largely unnoticed by the city’s residents. Built in 1781 by Raja Joynarayan Ghosal, the complex originally spanned 108 bighas, encompassing two towering temples and a vast pond. Unfortunately, much of this historic site has been lost to encroachment over the years.

Metcalfe Hall –

It was built between 1840 and 1844 according to the design prepared by the city magistrate, C.K. Robinson and named after Sir Charles T. Metcalfe, the Governor-General of India, in honour of his efforts towards a free press. The building faces the Hooghly river on the West.

Botanical Garden – 

The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, established in 1787 by Colonel Robert Kyd, an army officer of the East India Company in Calcutta, spans 273 acres and features over 12,000 plant species. Renowned for the Great Banyan Tree, one of the largest in the world, it boasts serene landscapes, rare flora, tranquil lakes, and a rich collection of medicinal plants.

ECO Park Rajarhat –

Kolkata’s Eco Park, inaugurated on December 29, 2012, spans 480 acres, making it the city’s largest urban park. It features a lake, themed gardens, an island, and replicas of the Seven Wonders. Popular for boating, cycling, picnics, and kayaking, Eco Park offers a family-friendly escape with lush green spaces and diverse attractions.

Birla Temple – 

The Birla Temple in Kolkata, inaugurated in 1996, showcases exquisite Rajasthani architecture with intricate marble carvings and sculptures. Dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, its serene, illuminated ambiance makes it a popular spiritual and cultural landmark.

College Street- 

Under the governance of Lord Wellesley College Street, or “Boi Para,” is Asia’s largest book market and a literary hub in Kolkata. Packed with bookstores and second-hand stalls, it offers everything from rare classics to modern reads and houses iconic institutions like the University of Calcutta and Presidency University.The history of College Street goes back to 1817 when David Hare established The Hindu College.

Bow Barracks –

A historic Anglo-Indian neighborhood in central Kolkata, Bow Barracks is renowned for its red-brick buildings and colonial charm. Originally built for British soldiers during World War I, it later became a hub for Kolkata’s Anglo-Indian community. Bow Barracks was designed by Halsey Ricardo, the architect of Howrah Station. The area is especially famous for its vibrant Christmas celebrations, featuring music, decorations, and festive spirit. built year 1918.

Chinese Kali Temple –

Located in Tangra, Kolkata’s Chinatown, the Chinese Kali Temple embodies cultural harmony.This unique temple has been built by the Chinese community living in Kolkata, the temple blends Hindu and Chinese traditions, with offerings like noodles and rice replacing the usual Hindu offerings, symbolizing a unique cultural fusion.300-yea -old temple.

Kolkata Slums

 Kolkata’s slums, such as those in Topsia and Tangra, highlight the socio-economic challenges faced by many urban poor. Despite inadequate facilities, these communities showcase resilience, social unity, and a dynamic informal economy, supported by NGO and government efforts toward improving living conditions.

South Park Street Cemetery –

 Established in 1767, this historic colonial cemetery features Gothic tombs amidst greenery. It serves as the resting place of notable 18th and 19th-century figures, making it a serene spot for history enthusiasts exploring Kolkata’s colonial legacy. The burial ground, along with a new road leading to it, known as the Burial Ground Road, The cemetery and the road were later renamed Park Street after a private deer park established by Sir Elijah Impey.

Rabindra Sarobar –

Known as the “lungs of South Kolkata,” Rabindra Sarobar is a tranquil artificial lake surrounded by greenery. Popular for walking,was built by the Calcutta Improvement Trust (CIT) birdwatching, and cultural events, it offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts.

Academy of Fine Arts –

The Academy of Fine Arts is a hub for Indian and Western art. Featuring works by Tagore and Jamini Roy, it regularly hosts exhibitions, theater performances, and cultural events, cementing its status as a cultural landmark.the academy was formally established in 1933 by Lady Ranu Mukherjee.

Nandan Complex –

 Inaugurated by Satyajit Ray in 1985, the Nandan Complex is Kolkata’s cultural hotspot for cinema and arts. It hosts the Kolkata International Film Festival and screens a mix of films, attracting cinephiles and art enthusiasts.

St Thomas Church Kolkata –

St. Thomas’ Church in Kolkata’s Park Street, a Catholic church, was founded in 1841, blessed in 1842, and opened to the public in September 1842, serving as the second parish established by Mgr. Carew in the city.